Lavrov: Russia expects information from U.S. after Tillerson’s statements about no-fly zones in Syria
Russia requested information from the U.S. about statements made by U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson about no-fly zones in Syria, said Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, as reported by RIA Novosti.
The day before, Tillerson said that the United States was studying the possibility of implementing, with Russia, an agreement on no-fly zones, observers for keeping the ceasefire, and the delivery of humanitarian aid in Syria.
“The United States is ready to consider the possibility of creating joint mechanisms with Russia to ensure stability, including no-fly zones, observers to ensure compliance with the ceasefire agreement on the ground, as well as coordinated delivery of humanitarian assistance,” the head of the State Department said in an official statement.
“What Tillerson said yesterday, as I understand it, was a prepared speech, but we were not told about it, and maybe it was even a reaction to our considerations for the meeting in Hamburg. And what is more, we do not know – we have already asked – until we have received an answer to the question about which no-fly zones are meant, because they never spoke of them,” the minister said.
Lavrov expressed confidence that “the focus of this statement with regard to all of the questions that have been raised about this or that wording ... on the interaction of Russia and the United States is a step in the right direction.”